Zero RH Stretch Control Bib Tights

After reading some good reviews for various bits of Zero rh+ kit (to give them their full title) I was pretty excited about testing these Stretch Congtrol big tights. Having spent more than a few hundred miles in them over winter, in just about all possible riding conditions I'm a bit less excited. Unfortunately as Mat found with the Power Logic Olympic bibs from Zero these just come up a little short for the clearly premium price tag.

Zero Rhesus Monkeys Positive… Perhaps an odd collection of words that you might not automatically associate with cycling. Zero rh+, recently launched in the UK from the guys behind Juice Lubes, takes its name from the blood group “rhesus monkeys positive”.

The stretch control model comes in at £134.99 which means they sit awkwardly in the Zero range floating around the price of the Adapto model without too many distinguishing features between the two. Zero bill these as tights for maximum warmth however the “ice dry” fabric is certainly not the warmest I’ve tried and often found myself cold on either the posterior or thighs. In fact a couple of times I’ve found myself with red cold beaten skin after an only moderate length ride.

The “Gradual fit Technology Anallergic” braces seem to be the defining feature of this brand separating it from others, certainly in the looks department. These work well, but to be honest I have never had and reason to quibble with a more tradition design and really are only different and not better. Aesthetically these range pretty high on the Spiderman richter scale. Personal taste my find you after something more subtle, or not.

The “Uranus” pad certainly doesn’t offend but perhaps a more high tech multi density offering would have been a nice addition at this price point. The construction and the detailing really shout high end tights; with good quality stitching and very nice details on the reflective zipper and ankle. However, evidence of wear on the under carriage occurred faster than expected.

Verdict

On the whole rather disappointing all round. No one feature really sticks out as a massive failure but a combination of poor performance across the board really leaves a lot to be desired from these tights. There are warmer and cheaper options out there.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Zero RH Stretch Control Bib Tights

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

"Thanks to its incredible design details and combination of materials, this garment guarantees maximum warmth. Stretch fabric and “Gradual fit” braces guarantee maximum freedom of movement. “Stretch control” applications confer ergonomics and confort. It’s the ideal garment for dedicated cyclists who like riding all through the winter."

Rate the product for quality of construction:

7/10

Rate the product for performance:

5/10

Rate the product for durability:

5/10

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:

6/10

Rate the product for value:

5/10

Did you enjoy using the product? Not really especially in wet or cold conditions

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Every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a real insight into whether it works or not. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective, and we strive to ensure that all opinions expressed are backed up by facts, but reviews are always a reviewer's informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores. It reflects both a product's function and value. Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad. Here's what they mean: